How to know when to Replace Spark Plugs
To maintain excellent fuel efficiency and power from your engine, it is essential that your Spark Plugs are in good running order. Sadly, as time goes by, they are one of the components that are most commonly overlooked.
There are three main indicators of worn or possibly damaged Spark Plugs.
1. A Sluggish motor. When your car isn't as Zippy, and doesn't accelerate up hills as it usually does.
2. Bad Fuel economy. When you are filling up gas tank more often than what you normally do.
3. When your motor is not running smoothly on all cylinders, means a Spark Plug may have failed, and isn't igniting the fuel effectively in one of the cylinders.
REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE
The best way to avoid potential Spark Plug failures is just to get in the habit of replacing them all before they get into that condition to begin with.
If you are driving an older model vehicle, with "contact breaker points" in your distributor, your spark plugs should be changed every 12,000 miles or Every 12 Months, which ever comes first.
If you have a modern vehicle, with electronic points, then you will not need to change them for 24,000 miles or 24 months, which ever comes first. This is because the modern "Electronic Points" deliver the voltage to the Spark Plug in a more refined, and regulated manner. This electricity delivered isn't as Raw as it is with the older "Contact Breaker Point" technology, lengthening the spark plugs lifetime.
TIP
It is easy to remember when to change your Spark Plugs: 12 or 12 for Older vehicles, and 24 or 24 for newer vehicles. Write the date and mileage on one of the Spark Plug boxes, and tuck it somewhere safe under the bonnet or glove box, so you can refer back to it, to find out when its time to replace them again.
Spark Plugs are VERY hardy components, and do not fail unless they are performing under EXTREME situations, for long periods of time. Like Racing. Make sure you get yourself high quality plugs, and you will enjoy a long period, of hassle free motoring.
